Jill's Blog Entry 3

From the first floor of the Baptist School I watched the procession of fruit-sellers on tricycles, public health employees, and many others as it moved steadily through the streets of Santo Domingo. It is May 1st, and people are unhappy about taxes and prices going up. Sound familiar?

This week was the last before classes start and the teachers have been busy with last minute planning. We have a new teacher , Gina , who will take the older children and prepare those who are able for reinsertion into the regular school system. We will have three classes for children with Moderate Learning Difficulties and one for children with Autism. As far as  we know , it is the only one in this town of half a million people. We continue to be able to speak weekly on the radio, informing people of the services the charity offers .

I visited El Paraiso, where Blanca and Rodrigo have another handicrafts class. The women had brought their work to show me, and there was a "brindis", which meant coca cola , biscuits and a tuna fish sauce. You can't help but be impressed by the enthusiasm of the women, and the quality of the goods they are turning out.

There is now a shelter on our piece  of land. When we arrived we were met by a pack of wolf like dogs, which turned out to be quite amicable- Ernesto ' s dogs with four of their young. Phew......we just need to put in the loos and then it will be all systems go- young peoples project, women's ministry, and Blanca and Rodrigo want to start a Christian outreach there.

We were asked to visit a young man paralyzed after a motor bike accident. He was very despondent when we arrived. We spoke to him about The Lord and managed to put a small rehabilitation plan in place. He is called Jaime if you would like to pray for him.

I started a house group for English speakers this week, which I hope will bless those who have little opportunity to express themselves in their mother tongue during the rest of the week.

God was very much at work in the  Tuesday prayer service. Many people need healing from past traumas. The  church welcomes all;  we now have Cubans and Columbians with the distinctive linguistic lilts and rhythms they bring to the  Spanish Language. It is a privilege to be included in this ministry.

We have running water again, but it only comes out cold. "Grateful for small mercies" is the attitude to embrace.

Another good week. Thank you Lord.

Jill Ball 1/5/15